Pregnancy is such a special time for a woman, it’s magical as the body does the most indredible things. Pregnant ladies get told they are ‘blooming’ & they do often look so well. There are times in most pregancy when it is difficult. Tiredness is a big issue, especially at the beginning. Most people are aware of morning sickness but nausea or sickness can be all day, & night, & sometimes for the whole pregnancy.

A woman’s body generally knows what it’s doing & often when giving a Shiatsu it is just supporting what the body is doing. Sometimes the body needs more help. Sickness can be eased & tiredness can be limited with Shiatsu massage.

Sometimes the body struggles physically & needs help with flow of blood & fluids, to ease swollen ankles for examples. The pelvis takes a lot of weight as the pregnancy goes on, it is pressed down & the small joints in the pelvic area begin to ache or hurt. Shiatsu can be really helpful for relieving pain & supporting the pelvis so that it can withstand the weight.  The body can be affected in many ways as so much space is taken up by baby, reflux & heartburn can also be eased with Shiatsu massage.

Shiatsu massage can also be used to jump start labour. Induction treatments can be arranged when full term has been reached. Shiatsu can also be used to turn the baby if they are in a difficult position for birth. In labour Shiatsu can be helpful with a lot of things, exhaustion, pain, quickening the Labour. 

For pregnant women Shiatsu can take place at any time. Some women chose to wait until 12 weeks before they have Shiatsu massage. Generally I give Shiatsu at my practice in Exwick, Exeter but home visits can arranged for later pregnancy.